http://www.chicagotribune.com/busine...717-story.html
Ferrara Candy moving headquarters next year to Chicago from Oakbrook Terrace
Ferrara Candy, the Oakbrook Terrace maker of Lemonheads, Red Hots and Trolli gummies, plans to move its 300-person corporate headquarters to Chicago’s Near West Side next spring.
Ferrara is negotiating a lease of two floors, or about 60,000 square feet, in a recently completed office building at 625 W. Adams St., across the street from Old St. Patrick’s Church, according to sources.
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If the deal is finalized as expected, Ferrara would be the first tenant to commit to the 20-story building developed by White Oak Realty Partners and CA Ventures, both of Chicago, and San Antonio-based USAA Real Estate.
The tower near the Kennedy Expressway was built on speculation, or without any leases signed in advance.
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“As one of the largest confections companies in the U.S., our business continues to grow, and we need a more adaptive and flexible workspace that will meet the demands of our growing team,” said Mike Goldwasser, chief human resources officer at Ferrara. “Relocating to the city of Chicago allows us to build a more open, collaborative and dynamic environment that a modern workforce expects, while providing access and appeal to a broader employee demographic.”
Many large food companies have moved downtown in recent years, to the West Loop in particular, as companies compete for younger, tech-savvy talent and a growing number of workers who prefer city living to a suburban commute.
Chicago didn’t offer incentives to the company to relocate,
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